How to Groom a Large, Dominant Dog

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How to Groom a Large, Dominant Dog

Hard

15 - 30

1 Week

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Introduction

Oscar is the kind of dog who wants everyone to think he is "the big man on the campus". In the wild, Oscar would be the Alpha in his pack.

Some dogs just seem to be more naturally dominant than others. You can see that when grooming time comes around, he is going to let you know how he feels about it. You might even find that he becomes a little on the aggressive side when you approach him with brush in hand. You could hitch him to the grooming table, put a muzzle on him, even sedate him, but this doesn't address the real problem. You need to teach him to become relaxed and calm during grooming.

Dog's Perspective

Although Oscar might be a bit on the dominant side, it doesn't mean he should be allowed to get away with it. It could simply be that he has had a bad grooming experience at some time in the past. It becomes your job to teach him to overcome his fears and anxieties so that he can relax and enjoy his grooming.

The Get Acquainted Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Pin Brush

Deshedder

Dematter

Comb

Step

Lay out the tools

Start each grooming session by laying out the tools you plan to use (those your dog may think of as the enemy) where he will be able see and sniff them. Give him lots of time to get used to them and when he is done, be sure to give him a treat.

Step

Say 'hello'

Call your dog over to you and then slowly pick up each tool and bring it up to his eye level. Let him get an eyeful. If he looks like he wants to balk, back off and give him a few minutes before trying again.

Step

A head start

Grab a slicker brush and start gently brushing the top of his head, talking to him in a gentle soothing voice. Take care of his ears, chin, chest, and neck, following the direction his hair grows. Stop for a minute or two and give him a treat.

Step

Stem to stern

Brush him along the ridge of his back, down his sides, and around and down his backside. If he is behaving, give him a treat. If not, stop and wait for him to relax before giving him the treat and moving on.

Step

Flip him over

Well, at least have him lie down and roll over on his back. This will give you access to his belly, legs, and paws. Don't push it if your dominant dog resists this, as showing the belly is a sign of submission.

Step

Reward and repeat

Once you are all done, praise him and give him a treat. Repeat this every week until he starts looking forward to his weekly grooming time.

The Positive Experience Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Pin Brush

Deshedder

Dematter

Comb

Step

Create a grooming haven

Pick a single room in your home to use for grooming, one with an easy to clean floor and that you will use each time. Consistency builds confidence. Add a radio for some soft music and even a TV to tune in his favorite program. These can be used to distract him from the grooming process.

Step

Strolling down the avenue

Put your pooch on his leash and go for a nice long walk. Let him pee, play, and run around a bit. The idea is to tire him out without exhausting him.

Step

Enter the grooming den

With some music on or his favorite show on the TV, strike up a conversation with your dog and keep it going. The idea is to keep his mind occupied. If the music looks like it's boring him, turn on the TV.

Step

To the front… groom

Start out by brushing the face, ears, and head. Stop and give him a treat. Then work your way down his throat, chest, and neck. Once again when done, if he has behaved, give him a treat.

Step

To the rear… finish up

Starting at the base of the neck, brush his back and sides. Then brush his rump gently, avoiding his anus and genitals. Have him lie down and roll over if he is willing, so you can brush out his belly, legs, and paws. When you are all done, be sure to praise him and give him a treat. Doing this every week will soon have your dog looking forward to being groomed regularly.

Caution & Considerations

The best thing you can do with a dominant dog is to work with that dominance instead of fighting against it.
Give him all the time he needs to get used to the tools you plan to use before you start using them.
If you have to trim his coat, be sure the clippers and shears are nice and sharp.
Use lots of treats to reward him.
This is a good time to examine your dog for injuries, parasites, mats, tangles, and skin abnormalities.
Go slow and steady as this will make him more comfortable as you go along.

Conclusion

Although Oscar might think he is in charge--and in the wild, he may well be--it is your job to make him understand who the Alpha leader in the pack. With a little hard work and practice, Oscar will soon learn to love being groomed and that this is a great time for the two of you to bond.

How to Groom a Large, Dominant Dog

Introduction

Dog's Perspective

The Get Acquainted Method

The Positive Experience Method

Caution & Considerations

Conclusion

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

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